Apparatus for dispensing money orders

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments is provided, including one or more data collector devices connected to a host device. Preferably, each of the money order dispensers include a digital processor for controlling the overall operation thereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, a display for displaying the transaction data, and a dot matrix printer for printing the requested money order. Each dispenser further includes an electrically-eraseable programmable read only memory (E 2  PROM) for storing a security inhibit printing code, this code being automatically changed to prevent actuation of the printer when the security of the dispenser is compromised. The physical dimensions of the money order dispenser are reduced by providing a dot matrix printer for receiving money orders in a transverse fashion, and software routines are provided to control the dot matrix printer to &#34;rotate&#34; the printed characters whereby money orders are dispensed in a readable fashion.

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.08/404,134, filed on Mar. 13, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,423,entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MONEY ORDERS, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 08/151,060, filed Nov. 12, 1993,now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.07/933,869, filed Aug. 21, 1992, now abandoned, which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 07/814,039, filed Dec. 24, 1991, now abandoned,which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/494,665, filed Mar.16, 1990, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.07/406,979, filed Sep. 13, 1989, now abandoned, which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 07/121,074, filed Nov. 16, 1987, now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 4,870,596, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.07/060,762, filed Jun. 8, 1987, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,986,which is a division of application Ser. No. 06/877,539 filed on Oct. 31,1986, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,532, which is a division of applicationSer. No. 06/596,291, filed Apr. 3, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,275.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to dispensing machines, and moreparticularly to a method and apparatus for dispensing money orders at aplurality of retail establishments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Money order dispensing machines are well-known in the prior art. Suchmachines typically include a number of moveable printing levers and aprinting control arm. In response to a customer request, the machineoperator positions the printing levers at a position corresponding tothe requested amount of the money order, inserts a blank order in themachine, and actuates the printing control arm. The above steps must berepeated each time a money order is requested by a customer.

Such mechanical money order dispensing machines have proven inadequatesince they do not include any effective means for securing thedispenser. In particular, the machine operator can produce a"counterfeit" order by simply separating a blank money order into itsseparate parts, a customer portion and a vendor portion, and printingdifferent numerical amounts thereon. Such counterfeiting techniques arefacilitated by the simple mechanical nature of the prior art money orderdispenser, wherein blank money orders are inserted one at a time formanual printing. Of course, this manual operation also makes thedispenser combersome to use, as well as extremely slow.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a money order dispenser havingincreased security, and which can also vend money orders efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensingmoney orders at a plurality of retail establishments. In a preferredembodiment, one or more sets of money order dispensers are connected toone or more data collector devices, respectively, with the datacollector devices in turn connected to a host device for controlling theoverall operation of the system. Generally, each of the money orderdispensers includes a digital processor to control the operationthereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request theprinting of a money order, and a display for displaying system messagesand the entered transaction data. Memory devices associated with thedigital processor are also provided for storing transaction data,operating programs and control data, and a dot matrix printer is usedfor printing alphanumeric indicia on the dispensed money orders.

In accordance with more specific features of the present invention, eachdispenser preferably includes an electrically-eraseable programmableread only memory (E² PROM). This E² PROM stores a security inhibitprinting code which must be "recognized" by a printer software routineto enable the dot matrix printer. Each dispenser further stores acontrol software routine which operates to change or erase the securityinhibit printing code stored in the E² PROM when the security of thedispenser is compromised. For example, when a storage compartment coverof the dispenser is opened outside of a proper money order loadingsequence, the control software routine changes the security inhibitprinting code, thereby inhibiting the dot matrix printer. However, theremainder of the dispenser peripherals operate normally to allow thesystem operator to reestablish printer operation after the "compromised"condition has been rectified.

Preferably the dot matrix printer receives a money order in a transversefashion with respect to the normal direction of printing thereon. Thisfacilitates the use of a small printer, thereby reducing the overalldimensions of the dispenser. The printer software routine associatedwith the dispenser is further used to control the dot matrix printer insuch a manner to change the normal orientation of the alphanumericindicia printed on the money order such that the order is produced withthe requested amount in a readable form. The dot matrix printer alsoincludes a photocell sensing device for determining whether a moneyorder and a printing ribbon are properly located in the dot matrixprinter prior to the printing of the order. The money orders aredelivered to the dot matrix printer in a continuous fan-folded stack.These features of the present invention insure that "counterfeit" moneyorders cannot be printed by the vendor.

In accordance with other features of the present invention, each datacollector has a "manager" function which allows the system operator(e.g., a financial institution) to define control data for managing theoperation of the dispensers connected thereto. In particular, theoperator may predetermine authorized operational limits, such as amaximum limit on the amount of the money order, maximum amounts forhigher limit items available with proper authorization codes, andvarious fee rates to be charged to the customers. This control data andchanges thereto are down-loaded into the E² PROM associated with eachprocessor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a desired system configurationincorporating a plurality of money order dispensers connected to one ormore data collector devices, which are in turn connected to a hostdevice;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the money order dispensers ofFIG. 1 having its open storage compartment cover shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic hardware incorporated in themoney order dispenser of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a representation of the preferred embodiment of the keyboardused in the money order dispenser of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of the dot matrix printer incorporated in thedispenser of FIG. 2 detailing the movement of a money ordertherethrough.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the FIGURES wherein like reference charactersdesignate like or similar elements, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of arepresentative system according to the present invention for dispensingmoney orders at a plurality of retail establishments. In FIG. 1, a moneyorder dispenser 10a is shown connected directly through a communicationslink 12a to a data collector 14a. The dispenser 10a is located at aretail establishment where customers request the issuance of a moneyorder from the retail establishment vendor. The data collector 14aprovides various management functions for money order dispensers 10a-10non a time-shared basis. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of datacollectors 14a-14n are connected to a host device 16 throughcommunications links 18a-18n. Each communications link 18 is either aModem Link or an RS232 serial full-duplex interface for directconnection to the host device 16. Alternately, the data collectors 14may be connected to an external modem (not shown) and then to the hostdevice 16.

As shown in FIG. 1, the data collector 14a includes a floppy diskette 20for storing a cumulative record of the money order transactions at itsrespective money order dispensers 10a-10n. Data collector 14a alsoincludes an internal printer 22 for printing this transactioninformation, although alternately, an external printer 24 is used forthis purpose through an RS232 serial link 26. An internal modem 28 isalso provided for direct communications to the money order dispensers10a-10n over the communications links 12a-12n at variable baud ratesettings. As will be described in more detail below, each data collector14 has the ability to read and program various memory devices in eachmoney order dispenser connected thereto.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the data collector 14a further includes afull alphanumeric keyboard 30 which, as will be described below, allowsthe system operator (e.g., a financial institution) to define controldata for managing the operation of the money order dispensers connectedthereto. In particular, through the keyboard 30, or alternately a"manager" function switch associated with the data collector 14a, theoperator vets limits on the following variables listed in TABLE I:

                  TABLE I                                                         ______________________________________                                        VARIABLE NAME   DEFINITION                                                    ______________________________________                                        [-MCH MO# XXXXX-]                                                                             Total number of money orders                                                  to be printed before dispenser                                                must be reauthorized                                          [-MCH MO# XXXXXXX-]                                                                           Maximum money order dollar                                                    amount to be issued before                                                    dispenser must be reauthorized                                [-CST MO$ XXXXX.XX-]                                                                          Maximum dollar value per money                                                order per customer                                            [-MCH CK# XXXXX-]                                                                             Maximum number of vendor pay-                                                 ments which may be printed before                                             dispenser must be reauthorized                                [-MCH CK# XXXXX.XX-]                                                                          Maximum vendor payment dollar                                                 amount which can be issued before                                             dispenser must be reauthorized                                [-CST MO# XXXX-]                                                                              Maximum number of money orders                                                which can be printed per customer                             [-VND CK# XXXX-]                                                                              Maximum number of vendor pay-                                                 ments which can be printed per                                                vendor                                                        [-VND CK# XXXXX.XX-]                                                                          Maximum dollar amount per                                                     vendor payment                                                [-WARN-# BLANKS XX-]                                                                          Number of blank money orders                                                  left in dispenser when warning                                                issued                                                        [-WARN-# TRANS XX-]                                                                           Amount of transaction storage                                                 left in dispenser memory when                                                 warning is issued                                             [-LOCK # ERRORS XX-]                                                                          Number of errors allowed before                                               dispenser locks.                                              ______________________________________                                    

As used throughout the remainder of the specification, the above limitsand codes are referred to as "control" data. This control data istransmitted to the various money order devices 10a-10n located at theplurality of retail establishments.

Preferably, each of the other data collectors 14 shown in FIG. 1 includethe same type of peripheral devices associated with the data collector14a. The data collectors 14a-14n also have the capability ofautomatically polling their associated money order dispensers oncommand, as well as the ability to recognize invalid data transmissions.Moreover, each data collector includes various software routines forcontrolling such automatic polling, and for providing test procedures toaid in trouble-shooting and repairing the dispensers.

It should also be appreciated that although the configuration of FIG. 1is desirable, it is not meant to limit the scope of the presentinvention. In particular, each money order dispenser of the invention iscapable of fully independent stand-alone operation, as well as a directon-line connection to a point-of-sale system.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view is shown of one of the moneyorder dispensers 10 of FIG. 1. Preferably, the money order dispenser 10includes a removable bottom panel 31 which is fastened to a countertopat the retail establishment by appropriate securing means. The dispenser10 is designed to be operable from 115 volts a.c. power, or d.c. powerfrom an appropriate point-of-sale system. The power options areselectable by an internal selection switch (not shown). The dispenser 10includes two RS232 connector input jacks 32 and 34 for connection to anexternal journal printer and external modem, respectively. The journalprinter (not shown) is a conventional dot matrix printer and is providedfor printing a journal tape of all transactions of the money orderdispenser. The dispenser 10 also includes a modular phone jack 36, whichis connected to an internal modem for data transmission to one of thedata collectors 14 as shown in FIG. 1. When the internal modem is notused, the modem interface is brought to the RS232 connector jack 34 forconnection to an external modem. Preferably, the external connection isused whenever an acoustical modem is required.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the money order dispenser 10 includes severalinput/output devices: a keyboard 40 having first and second sections 40aand 40b, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 42 and a dot matrix printerassembly represented generally by the reference numeral 44. As will bedescribed in more detail below, each section of the keyboard 40 includestwelve (12) control keys for entering transaction data to request theprinting of a money order, as well as for controlling other functions ofthe dispenser. The LCD display 42 is preferably a twelve (12) digitdisplay for displaying the transaction data entered via the keyboard 40,and for displaying system messages received from the data collector andhost devices associated with the money order dispenser. The dot matrixprinter assembly 44 is provided to print the money orders held in astorage compartment 46. As shown in phantom in FIG. 2, the money ordersare provided in a continuous fan-folded stack 48 in the storagecompartment 46 to insure that counterfeit money orders cannot be printedby the vendor. A keylock 50 is provided to secure a storage compartmentcover 47 in a locked position in the dispenser housing. This lock may beelectronic if desired. The stack 48 of money orders is loaded into thedispenser by opening the storage compartment cover 47 to an openposition as represented in phantom.

As also seen in FIG. 2, the storage compartment cover 47 includes anoutput throat 52 through which the printed money orders are dispensed.To effect printing of a money order, the dot matrix printer assembly 44is provided with a sprocket and/or pressure feed clamp 54 for moving themoney orders through the dispenser 10, a dot matrix printer 56 and aprinting ribbon 58. In response to a customer request for a money order,the vendor enters the requested amount via the keyboard 40 as will bedescribed below. If the money order is within the authorized limits ofthe dispenser, the dot matrix printer 56 is actuated to print therequested amount alphanumerically on the face of the money order. Uponcompletion of the printing, the pressure feed clamp 54 automaticallyadvances the printed money order through the output throat 52 for manualremoval by the operator. The transaction data, including money orderamount, date and time, is then stored on a journal tape by the externaljournal printer, and also in internal memory.

As will be described below, the dot matrix printer 56 preferablyincludes a printer carriage for receiving the money order in atransverse fashion with respect to the normal printing of alphanumericinformation thereon. This transverse feeding of the money orders allowsthe use of a relatively small dot matrix printer, thereby reducing theoverall physical dimensions of the dispenser. The present inventionfurther provides a control means for controlling the dot matrix printerto "rotate" the alphanumeric indicia printed on the money order suchthat the money order is produced in a readable form. The control meansis required since normal printing of the indicia would render the moneyorder unreadable due to the transverse feed. Accordingly, a printersoftware routine to be described is provided for controlling the printerto produce readable alphanumeric indicia on the printed money orders.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram is shown of the electronichardware incorporated in the money order dispenser of FIG. 2. Inparticular, this hardware includes a central processing unit (CPU) 60for controlling the overall operation of the money order dispenser 10a.The CPU 60 includes data, address and control buses, representedgenerally by the bus 62. As seen in FIG. 3, the keyboard 40, LCD display42 and money order printer 56 are connected to the CPU 60 and arecontrolled thereby by various operating and applications programsresident in eraseable programmable read only memories (EPROM's) 64 and66. EPROM'S 64 and 66 are connected to the CPU 60 by the bus 62. As alsoseen in FIG. 3, the money order dispenser 10 includes random accessmemories (RAM's) 68 and 70 connected to the CPU 60 by the bus 62 forproviding temporary storage of data processed by the CPU. The moneyorder dispenser further includes a power supply circuit 72 driven off astandard 115 volts a.c. wall outlet, and an internal rechargeablebattery backup 74. The battery backup 74 is provided to supply power fora sufficient time to allow complete memory protection should power besuddenly interrupted to the dispenser 10.

The money order dispenser 10 further includes a pair ofelectrically-eraseable programmable read only memories (E² PROM's) orequivalent semi-permanent memory device such as a battery support RAM,76 and 78 connected to the CPU 60 by the bus 62. The E² PROM 76 isprovided for storing various communication protocols utilized by themoney order dispenser. In particular, the E² PROM 76 supports the NCRforeign attachment protocol, MSI special protocol, SDLC protocol and IBM3680 store system interface. Additional protocols may be down-loadedinto the E² PROM 76 by the data collector as required. Data and controlcodes for the above protocols are well known in the prior art and adescription thereof is unnecessary for a complete understanding of thepresent invention.

According to a feature of the present invention, the E² PROM 78 isprovided to store the transaction data for between 500-2000vendor/customer transactions. Moreover, the E² PROM 78 also stores asecurity inhibit printing code for the money order dispenser 10 forsecurity purposes. The printer software routine for controlling the dotmatrix printer 56 must "recognize" the security inhibit printing coderesident in E² PROM 78 in order to operate the dot matrix printer 56. Ifthe security of the money order dispenser is compromised in any way, acontrol software routine stored in EPROM 64 operates to change or erasethe security inhibit printing code stored in the E² PROM 78. Once thiscode has been changed or erased, the software for controlling theprinter 56 cannot be processed by the CPU 60, thereby preventing furtherprinting of money orders from the dispenser. However, although theprinter operation is inhibited, the remainder of the dispenserperipherals operate normally to allow the link to be restored by thefinancial institution. Preferably, the security inhibit printing code isdown-loaded from the respective data collector device or the hostdevice, and may be changed at regular intervals for increased security.

A "compromised" condition exists, for example, when the storagecompartment cover 47 is opened outside of a normal money order loadingsequence to be described, or when the bottom panel 31 is removed withouta service request. The security code will also be changed or erased toinhibit the printer when power to the dispenser is interrupted, if apreviously determined amount or number of money orders, or other systemoperator-imposed constraints, have been exceeded, or if no recentcommunications have taken place within authorized time limits.

A control and security circuit 80 is also provided and includes aninternal clock for controlling the timing of the various circuits shownin FIG. 3, and also for defining the date and time information for thetransaction data. As discussed above, the LCD display 42 is provided fordisplaying this transaction data as well as system messages. The displaysoftware stored in EPROM 66 also disables the display if the dispenseris not in use for a period of time, and controls the display to indicatewhen the E² PROM 78 is approximately filled with transaction data. Themoney order dispenser 10 will discontinue further issuance of moneyorders and notify the operator if the E² PROM 18 is full. According tothe present invention, the transaction data is then transmitted to therespective data collector device of FIG. 1 before the money orderdispenser 10 may again issue money orders. The use of the non-volatilereusable E² PROM 78 or equivalent device in conjunction with the batterybackup 74 insures that the transaction data is not lost upon powerfailure or surges.

Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2 and 3, the dot matrix printer 56 iscontrolled by a printer control circuit 82 connected to the CPU 60 bythe bus 62 and the printer software routine. The money order dispenser10 further includes serial ports 84, connected to the CPU 60 by the bus62, for driving an internal modem 86, and the external journal printer88 via an RS232 duplex link. As noted above, when the internal modem 86is not used, the modem interface is brought to the RS232 connector jack34 for an external modem. Preferably, the external modem connection isused whenever an acoustical modem is required.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a desired format of the keyboard 40 of themoney order dispenser is shown. This keyboard includes a first section40a including the numerical keys "0"-"9" for entering control andtransaction data, and a "VOID" and "ENTER" control key. The secondsection 40b of the keyboard 40 includes various control keys, thefunction of which will be described in more detail below.

Operation of the money order dispenser 10 of the present inventionoccurs through a plurality of operation modes. The first of these modesis a "Definition Mode", during which various codes are entered,inspected or changed by the operator. The LCD display 42 defines whichentry to enter, inspect or change. In operation of this mode, if theentry is to be changed, a new value is entered via the first section 40aof the keyboard 40 followed by depression of the "ENTER" key. If thedisplayed entry is to remain unchanged, the "ENTER" key is the only keydepressed. The control keys of the second section 40b generally definewhat messages are presented to the operator.

Since the money order dispenser is preferably left "on" at all times,the Definition Mode is entered when the operator pushes the "START" and"DEFINE" keys of the second section 40b. The following message is thendisplayed on the display 42:

[-SECURITY #-]

The security number is a five digit number and is not displayed. Thisnumber must be correctly entered by the vendor in order for the sequenceto continue. After the security number has been entered and verified, amanual entry of a store identification number is required. Accordingly,the following store number message is displayed on the LCD display 42:

[-STXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-]

The store number may be 1-14 characters long and once entered by thevendor is transmitted to the respective data collector as discussedabove with respect to FIG. 1.

The Definition Mode sequence continues with depression of the"DAY/SHIFT" key which produces the following sequential displays forentering or verification of date and time information, this informationbeing recorded as part of the transaction data:

[-DATE XX/XX/XX-]

[-TIME XX:XX:XX-]

The Definition Mode sequence further continues with the followingdisplays for entering of identification entries, money order fees, aphone number dialed automatically under certain conditions, and an "IDUSE" code for money order and vendor payment transactions:

[-ID XXX-]

[-FEE XXX.XX, YY.YY-]

[-PHX-XXX-XXX-XXXX-]

[-ID USE X-]

Specifically, the system includes twenty money order fees where XXX.XXis the dollar breakpoint, and YY.YY is the fee charged for any moneyorder greater than the previous money order and less than or equal tothe present XXX.XX breakpoint. The "ID USE" code takes on the followingpossible values:

0 - No ID Number needs to be entered;

1 - All ID Numbers are entered at the start of the day only;

2 - A valid ID Number must be entered for each transaction.

Entering of the above code information at the money order dispenser, aswell as the information in TABLE I at the data collector, constitutesthe Definition Mode. Once the last enter key has been pressed at thedispenser, the display screen 42 will blank and the Definition Mode willbe exited.

Under a "Start Mode", the operator of the money order dispenser at aretail establishment enters certain information at the start of eachday. In particular, a start-up "ID" or "access" code is required tooperate the dispenser. In the Start Mode, actuation of the "START" keyof the second section 40b causes the following message to be displayed:

[-ID -]

The operator must then enter a valid ID number to start the system. Ifthe "ID USE" code discussed above is "1", the rest of the valid IDnumbers must then be entered. Subsequently, the following message isdisplayed:

[-BEG #XXXXXXXXX-]

The above display prompts the operator to enter an internal serialnumber of the first money order in the stack. The serial number isautomatically incremented for each money order dispensed. Once the lastenter key has been depressed, the display screen will blank and theStart Mode will be exited.

The third mode of operation is the "Issue Money Order" Mode. This Modeis entered when a customer requests the issuance of a money order. Toaccomplish this task, the operator pushes the "START" key of the secondsection 40b. If the "ID USE" Code is "2", an "ID" number is required,and this number is then entered via the first section 40a of thekeyboard, followed by depression of the "ID" key of the second section40b. If no fee is to be charged, the "NO FEE" key of the second section40b is also depressed. Subsequently, a dollar amount for the money orderis entered via the numeric keys of the first section 40a followed bydepression of the "MONEY ORDER" key of section 40b. The "TOTAL" key ofsection 40b is then depressed if more than one money order is requiredto be printed. The fee for each money order is automatically added tothe total. Finally, the "PRINT" key of section 40b is then depressed andthe requested money order is printed by the dot matrix printer 56 asdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 2. Note that if the "VOID" key ofsection 40a is depressed before the "TOTAL" key, however, the last moneyorder entry will be voided. Moreover, if the "VOID" key is depressedbefore the "PRINT" key is depressed, all the money orders for thecurrent customer are voided.

Under another operational mode, an "Issue Vendor Payments" Mode, thevendor of the retail establishment may receive payments according to thelimits established by the operator of the data collector device. Thismode requires depression of the "START" key and entering of an "ID" ifthe "ID USE" code is set as "2". Subsequently, the "VENDOR PAYMENT" keyof section 40b is depressed followed by the "TOTAL" and "PRINT" keys asdiscussed above with respect to the issuance of a money order.

Under a "Load Mode", money order forms are loaded into the money orderdispenser 10. This is accomplished by opening the money order storagecompartment cover 47, depressing the "START" key and then a "LOAD" keyof section 40b. Depression of these keys will produce the followingsequential display messages:

[-SECURITY #-]

[-BEG #XXXXXXXX-]

[-END #XXXXXXXX-]

The security number is the same number discussed above in the DefinitionMode. The last two codes above are the beginning and ending serialnumbers of the blank money order stock which must be entered whenloading a new series of money orders. Once the last enter key has beendepressed and the storage compartment cover 47 has been closed, thedisplay 42 will blank and the Load Mode will be exited.

The money order dispenser also includes a "Transmission Mode" which isentered upon depression of the "START" and "TRANSMIT" keys of section40b. Upon depression of these keys, the following sequential displaymessages occur:

[-SECURITY #-]

[-DIAL TELEPHONE #-]

After entering of the security number and dialing the telephone numberfor connection to the appropriate data collector, the operator placesthe phone receiver in the modem. The "START" key is then depressed tocause the dispenser to transmit the stored transaction data in E² PROM78 to the data collector. After transmission the following message isdisplayed to prompt the operator to disconnect the dispenser from themodem:

[-DISCONNECT RMOD-]

This constitutes the Transmission Mode. Once the last data istransmitted and a verification signal is received by the money orderdispenser, the dispenser automatically terminates the connection,displays the above disconnect message and exits the Transmission Mode.

As discussed above, an important feature of the present invention is theuse of the dot matrix printer 56 which is designed to receive a moneyorder in a transverse direction with respect to the printing of normalindicia thereon. The movement of money orders through the dot matrixprinter in a transverse fashion facilities the use of a small dot matrixprinter, thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the money orderdispenser of the present invention. However, since the money order ispassed through the dot matrix printer in a transverse fashion, normalprinting of indicia thereon would render the money order unreadable. Toovercome this problem, the present invention includes software routinesstored in the EPROM's 64 and 66 to "rotate" the alphanumeric charactersduring printing on the money order. Therefore, since the money orderspass through the dot matrix printer in a transverse fashion, and thecharacters are rotated under software control, the money order exitsfrom the dispenser in a readable fashion.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a top view is shown of the movement of a moneyorder through the dot matrix printer 56 of the present invention.Specifically, the continuous fan-folded stack 48 of money order formsincludes a money order form 100 currently being printed and a next moneyorder form 102. As seen in FIG. 5, each of the money order formsincludes relatively long longitudinal sides 106 and relatively shorttransverse sides 108. Each money order form is interconnected along thetransverse sides 108 thereof. As also seen in FIG. 5, each of the moneyorder forms includes indicia 110 preprinted thereon in a longitudinaldirection.

In operation, the pressure feed clamp 54 advances the money order forms100 and 102 serially through a printing zone 112 by movement of thefan-folded stack in the longitudinal direction as represented by thearrow 114. The dot matrix printer 56 includes printing elements, forexample elements 116, 118, 120 and 122, each of which reciprocatetransversely to print alphanumeric indicia in four regions of theprinting zone 112. Specifically, print element 116 moves transverselythrough the region 112a of the printing zone 112, print element 118moves transversely through the printing zone 112b, etc.

Therefore, as seen in FIG. 5, the dot matrix printer 56 extendstransversely across the printing zone 112 for printing variablealphanumeric indicia on the money order forms. It should be appreciated,however, that since the dot matrix printer normally prints indicia in atransverse direction, normal operation of the printer would render themoney order forms unreadable. Accordingly, the printer software routinecontrols the various print elements 116, 118, 120 and 122 to form thevariable alphanumeric indicia 124 on the money order forms in thelongitudinal direction. Thus the money order forms are output from themoney order dispenser in a readable fashion.

According to another important feature of the present invention, the dotmatrix printer assembly 44 includes a photocell 126 which is used tosense the presence of first and second code marks 128 and 130, printedon the money order forms. Specifically, the first code mark 128 ispreprinted on each money order form for the purpose of ensuring that themoney order forms are properly aligned prior to printing. To this end,the photocell 126 generates a first control signal to the digitalprocessor 60 upon reading the first code mark 128, thereby indicatingproper alignment of the money order form. Moreover, prior to theprinting of the variable alphanumeric indicia 124 on the money order100, the printing ribbon 58 is actuated to print the second code mark130. In operation, the photocell 126 must sense the presence of thesecond code mark 130 prior to printing of the alphanumeric indicia 124.Accordingly, the printing ribbon 58 must be properly located to effectprinting of the second code mark 130 before the dot matrix printer 56 isdriven to print a money order. This feature of the present inventionensures that "counterfeit" money orders cannot be printed bymanipulation of the printing ribbon, or other disablement and theprinting device.

The program listings for (1) changing the security inhibit printingcode, (2) controlling the keyboard operation as described above withrespect to FIG. 4, and (3) accomplishing the printing of "rotated"alphanumeric indicia on a money order are set forth in each of U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,492,423; 4,870,596; 4,812,986; 4,699,532; and 4,625,275; allincorporated by reference.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention describes a methodand apparatus for dispensing money orders, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention may be utilized to dispense any type of negotiableinstrument.

Although the invention has been described in detail, it is to be clearlyunderstood that the same is by way of illustration and example only andis not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of theinvention being limited only to the terms of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. An automatic money order dispenser for printing anddispensing money orders of the type having relatively long top andbottom edges and relatively short left and right side edges, and havingalphanumeric indicia pre-printed thereon along lines extendingsubstantially parallel to the top and bottom edges comprising:a digitalprocessor for controlling the operation of said dispenser; a money orderissuing path along which pre-printed money order forms travel with oneof the side edges of each form positioned as a leading edge as the formstravel along the issuing path through the dispenser; printing meansextending entirely transversely across the money order issuing path andperpendicular to the top and bottom edges of the pre-printed money orderforms for simultaneously printing variable alphanumeric indicia on thepre-printed money order forms on a plurality of lines extendingsubstantially parallel to the top and bottom edges of the forms therebyforming completed money orders to be issued; means for insuring thepre-printed money order forms are not counterfeit including meanssensing at least one code mark on each pre-printed form, said means forinsuring further including means determining whether the forms areproperly located in the printing means before actuating the printingmeans; an external housing enclosing the money order issuing path, theprinting means and a compartment for storing pre-printed money orderforms; and an opening in the housing for emitting completed money ordersfrom the housing following printing by the printing means.
 2. Anautomatic money order dispenser of claim 1 wherein the money orderissuing path is adapted to receive pre-printed money order forms as acontinuous series of forms having separation lines therebetween.
 3. Asystem for printing and dispensing money orders of the type havingrelatively long top and bottom edges and relatively short left and rightside edges, and having alphanumeric indicia pre-printed thereon alonglines extending substantially parallel to the top and bottom edges atone or more retail establishments, including a data collector,comprising:a plurality of money order dispensers each including:adigital processor for controlling the operation of said dispenser; amoney order issuing path along which pre-printed money order formstravel with one of the side edges of each form positioned as a leadingedge as the forms travel along the issuing path through the dispenser;printing means extending entirely transversely across the money orderissuing path and perpendicular to the top and bottom edges of thepre-printed money order forms for simultaneously printing variablealphanumeric indicia on the pre-printed money order forms on a pluralityof lines extending substantially parallel to the top and bottom edges ofthe forms thereby forming completed money orders to be issued; means forinsuring the pre-printed money order forms are not counterfeit includingmeans sensing at least one code mark on each pre-printed form, saidmeans for insuring further including means determining whether the formsare properly located in the printing means before actuating the printingmeans; an external housing enclosing the money order issuing path, theprinting means and a compartment for storing pre-printed money orderforms; and an opening in the housing for emitting completed money ordersfrom the housing following printing by the printing means; a digitalprocessor for controlling the operation of said dispenser; means forconnecting said plurality of money order dispensers to said datacollector.